From Prom Dresses to Protective Masks

Interviewed By Micha Green
AFRO D.C. Editor
[email protected]

Name: Aishaetu Gullattee
Business Title: Tutus Boutique/ House of Masks D.C.

AFRO: Tell us about your business and how you operated prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Gullattee: I am a custom gown designer recently moved back home to D.C. from Charlotte, North Carolina. I graduated from Howard University’s Fashion Merchandising department in 2005 and opened my business in 2012. I have been making gowns for seven years! Prom season has doubled my sales each year and this year was my largest orders from the D.M.V. area.

AFRO: Has your business been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?  If so, tell us how?

Gullattee: COVID-19 has impacted my business greatly, positively and negatively. Because of the virus my clients have been asking me to make face masks and when I started I had no clue how much of a high demand it was. I have lost count on how many orders I have completed and it has truly been a very tedious and time-consuming process and a smaller price market, which adds up slowly. The fact that I am able to still make a needed product and have some type of income coming in is positive.

On the negative side the virus has caused several cancellations of proms, which means my clients are canceling their orders and it puts by business upside down. It is putting me in the hole but I am trying to make up what I am losing by making masks to cover it.

AFRO: What is some advice you’d offer to other entrepreneurs during this pandemic?

Gullattee: In order to maintain your business, you will have to downsize and accommodate the new clients’ needs. Also you will have to buy online products, which will actually save you more money. Offer mailing and pick up solutions on your products.

AFRO: How can people support your business?

At the current moment I am not taking any mask orders, but I will post when masks are available so the general public can order from me on social media. And if anyone is trying to book me for a gown they can do so by visiting my website www.tutusboutique.com.